Juan de Jongh (finger) was also ruled out late on Monday and centre Robert Ebersohn drafted in as cover.

The hosts were already without key men JP Pietersen, Jaco Taute, Frans Steyn, Johan Goosen and Duane Vermeulen after they were not considered for the series owing to injury.

"It's the nature of the game these days," McFarland said.

"Super Rugby is so physical and the games are tough, so you are going to lose guys, but it's also an opportunity for other guys to step in and take the chances they get."

He also expected Italy to pose a formidable challenge on the back of their best ever showing in the Six Nations earlier this year.

"They finished fourth in the Six Nations and they have a lot of very experienced players in their team.

"Players like captain Sergio Parisse, Martin Castrogiovanni, Alessandro Zanni, Andrea Masi have a lot of caps. We're well aware of these individuals. They're coming here on a high after having their best-ever season."